ENGLISH COURSES

Credit: 1 Length: Year Recommended level(s): 9-12

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

English 9 builds upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing as we contend with texts of increasing complexity throughout the year. Comprehension and understanding skills will be developed across a variety of genres, including poetry, narrative, short story, drama, essay, and article. We endeavor to build accuracy of thought and creativity in expression as we read, think, and write every day.   

Credit: 1 Length: Year Recommended level(s): 10-12

Prerequisite: English 9 Fee: None

English 10 usually offers a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph essays and compositions. Through the study of various genres of literature, students can improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine the author’s intent and theme and to recognize the techniques used by the author to deliver their message.

Credit: 1 Length: Year Recommended level(s): 11-12

Prerequisite: English 9 and 10 Fee: None

English 11 continues to develop students’ writing skills, emphasizing clear, logical writing patterns, word choice, and usage as students write essays and begin to learn the techniques of writing research papers. Students continue to read works of literature which often form the backbone of the writing assignments. Literary conventions and stylistic devices may receive greater emphasis than in previous courses.

Credit: .5 Length: Semester (Fall) Recommended level(s): 11, 12

Prerequisite: ENG 10 + ACCUPLACER Fee: None

This is a preparatory semester, designed for learners who plan on taking Composition 110. This course will initially focus on the comprehension of complex, fiction and nonfiction texts, followed by analytical reading and writing. An extensive study of ethics and literary theory will prepare learners for the deep, critical thinking demanded by Comp 110. We will also work to build attention to detail, focused commitment to quality, and the timely completion of coursework required by the college course.

Credit: .5 Length: Semester (Spring) Recommended level(s): 11, 12

Prerequisite: Advanced/College Prep English + ACCUPLACER Fee: $100

This course requires a commitment to 3-5 hours of work outside the classroom each week. 

Several texts, including drama and novel selections, will be read, discussed, and analyzed. Comparative and analytical writing, utilizing the background in ethics and literary theory established in the Advanced/College Prep English course will follow our reading.  Multiple formal papers in addition to shorter, preparatory essays will be completed. Personal essay and narrative writing will round out the semester.  As with all dual credit courses, attention to detail, timely completion of assignments, and a focused commitment to quality and accuracy is expected.  

Credit: 1 Length: Year Recommended level(s): 12

Prerequisite: English 9, 10, (11) Fee: None

English 12 (Fall): This self-paced course blends composition, literature, and nonfiction texts. Learners will complete comprehension and analysis standards within 4 genres of fiction as well as nonfiction essays. The Research and Writing Process standards will also be addressed. Learners must have completed English 11 or Comp 110 to take this course.

Speech (Spring): This course begins by establishing a solid foundation in presentation skills. Narrative, Informative, Demonstrative, Argumentative, Group, Debate, and Impromptu presentations will follow. Learners will be speaking nearly every single day. 

Credit: .5 Length: Semester  (fall) Recommended level(s): 12

Prerequisite: Comp 110 Fee: $100

This course requires a commitment to several hours of work outside the classroom each week. Comp 120 begins with a review of analytical reading and writing followed by a deep dive into Literary and Philosophical texts, highlighting morality and ethics in preparation for a series of papers addressing societal issues: Critical analysis, research, causal analysis, and persuasion.  As with all dual credit courses, attention to detail, timely completion of assignments, and a focused commitment to quality and accuracy is expected. 

Credit: .5 Length: Semester (Spring) Recommended Level: 11-12

Prerequisite: English 10 Fee:  $100

This college course demands attention to detail and timely completion of assignments. Reflective essays are assigned following each Unit. Like the HS Speech course, Dual Credit Speech begins by establishing a solid foundation in presentation skills. Narrative, informative, demonstrative, argumentative, group, debate, and impromptu presentations will follow. Learners will be speaking nearly every single day, utilizing a variety of techniques and structures.

Credit: 1-4 Length: Year (can be taken multiple years) Recommended level(s): 9-12

Prerequisite: None Fee: None

Yearbook is a year-long production-based course designed for learners to learn and apply skills in the areas of  journalism, photography, artistic design, and business to produce and refine the school yearbook. Learners are expected to interview, write, design, and revise content included in the yearbook. Expect to spend a significant amount of time working after school hours in the evenings or on the weekends. Learners wanting to enroll in this course need to be approved by the yearbook advisor and high school counselor. This is a course for organized and accountable learners who demonstrate the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate.